Stephanie is one inspirational momma. She has two little boys and runs triathlons! Taking care of my ONE little boy is like running a triathlon to me, so yes, Stephanie I have major respect for your whole new level of hard core!
We are very lucky to have her back on Pumps and Push Ups for a mommy interview. She wrote this article on life as a triathlete mom, for us a couple of months ago, which I recommend reading if you haven’t yet.
So, on to the interview!
Tell us a little about you:
I am a simple mom, dreaming big who has discovered her passion. I fell in love with endurance running January 2013 and since then have completed three marathons, an ultramarathon, and am currently training for a half ironman this July. I learned to swim in December 2013 and got on my first triathlon bike in March 2014. I have committed myself and seen amazing progress just by being passionate and working hard. I have a deep love of yoga and reiki. I am a certified yoga instructor and did my training at an ashram on The Big Island of Hawaii in Kona. Yoga is my spirit and running/triathlon is my soul. They complete and fulfill me in a way I never dreamed possible. I also love to bake and cook! I am the luckiest girl in the world because I have the absolute cutest four extra hands that help me in the kitchen. I make some of my favorite memories with my boys baking cookies, muffins, and popping popcorn!
How many children do you have?
I have two little guys. Ty is going on 5 and is my analytical, sporty, super smarty-pants, silly, center of attention little dude. Braden is 3 this month and is truly my wild child. He marches to the beat of his own drum and is loud and proud to be who he is. I love them both with all my heart. So different yet they are the best of friends. I couldn’t be more thankful for two boys so close in age.
How do you juggle it all?
I make time. When you really want something…like really in your heart and gut want it you make time. When I decided to train for the ultramarathon as a single mom I knew immediately something had to give. So first I cut my cable. The time spent watching even a half hour of TV is now spent prepping my children and my meals for the next day. I plan ahead for dinners and breakfast. I food prep so I can make nutritious meals in minutes keeping quinoa, chicken, and chopped fruits and vegetables in the refrigerator at all times. I make sure I get enough sleep. I don’t waste time on anything that isn’t valuable in my life. If it doesn’t align with my goals of first and foremost being the best mommy that I can be and second my training schedule then I don’t spend another breath on it. Life is way to short to waste precious time on that which doesn’t matter most to you!
One tip for new moms:
Get out and moving as soon as you physically can. I know the limitations after childbirth and you NEED to be gentle with yourself. But invest in a stroller and start by short walks. The fresh air does you and your baby good. I would walk for hours and just talk to my baby about the sky, trees, cars and life. Find an infant music class, mommy and me yoga, or something similar. You will meet other new moms there that you can connect with and they are going through all the exact same struggles and joys that being a new mommy brings. Some of my best friends I met when my first was a couple months old at a music class! Enjoy being an active and on the go mom. It’s really fun!
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